Anambra LGs: Stakeholders Criticize as Resolute Soludo Appoints New Chairmen

Despite protests over the replacement of sacked transition committee chairmen in the 21 local government areas, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has appointed new chairmen.

Their appointments have been confirmed by the House of Assembly.

Last month, Soludo dismissed all caretaker council chairmen, directing them to hand over to the most senior staff in their respective council areas.

The sacked chairmen had served for a cumulative two years, with their tenures being renewed every three months by the governor, who simply notified the House of Assembly.

The dismissals sparked debate among state stakeholders.

Some expressed optimism that the sack might lead to local government elections, while others noted the absence of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) as a barrier to immediate elections.

A week later, a High Court in Abuja ordered the federal government to stop remitting council funds to the state government until elections are conducted. The suit was brought by Anambra lawyer Chukwuebuka Mmeni.

The move was praised by Labour Party chieftain Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who urged Soludo not to use state funds to challenge the judgment and to conduct elections instead.

In early June, the Anambra State House of Assembly passed a bill to establish a state electoral commission, raising hopes for local government elections.

However, these hopes were dashed last weekend when a list of new transition committee chairmen was read in the Assembly. The Assembly confirmed the appointments on Thursday.

Though the new committees are to manage the local government areas for three months, it is likely they may serve longer through reappointments, similar to their predecessors.

Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) and the Anambra State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have criticized the appointments. ACSONET expressed concern about the lack of grassroots democracy, while the PDP accused Soludo of undermining democratic principles and mismanaging public funds.

The PDP warned that continuing without elected councils is counterproductive, especially given the state’s insecurity.

The South East APC Young Progressive Forum also condemned the move, stating that local government elections are a constitutional requirement.

State Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, defended the government’s actions, saying the bill for the state electoral commission was in response to the court order on local government funds and that credible elections would be held soon.